Surrounding Areas

City of Merritt, BC

Located at the heart of the Coquihalla Highway System, Merritt is a dynamic community with a population of over 8,000. It serves both as the service
centre for the Nicola Valley and as the strategic gateway to B.C.'s southwestern Interior.

With an economic base that combines the resource sector
with an expanding service economy, Merritt has experienced rapid growth and economic diversification over the past several years. The catalyst for much
of this development was the completion of the Coquihalla highway system - linking Merritt to the Lower Mainland, Kamloops and the Okanagan.

As a consequence of it's expansion, the city is emerging as a diversified service centre for a region with a population of 15,000. In addition to its
location, Merritt's favourable climate, the community's attractive lifestyle, and the area's unlimited recreational opportunities have all contributed to
its vibrancy.

The combination of Merritt's strategic location, its natural advantages, and its quality of life ensures that the community will continue to flourish
into the future. While Merritt retains its strong ties to the resource economy, this is balanced with growth in knowledge and lifestyle based industries,
small business, and recreation and tourism.

Merritt has made a strong commitment to embracing the changing economy, with internet access, fibre-optic links, and video conferencing available in
the community. As a result of these changes the community has experienced an expansion in home-based businesses and telecommunting.

Despite the recent growth, Merritt in many respects retains
links to its history and heritage. The city is committed to its traditional main street, lined with retail shops, many displaying a western theme, and
to its historic buildings. Chief among the city's landmarks is the 90-year old Coldwater Hotel, which continues to dominate the downtown skyline.

New development has been in line with the commitment to a vibrant downtown, with the nearby Railyard Mall providing new retail amenities without detracting
from the existing shops.

While the expansion of the city as a service an commercial centre has spurred much recent growth, it is lifestyle factors that attract many people to the area.
In particular, families have been drawn to the small-town feel, the affordable housing, the recreational opportuniities and easy access to larger urban centres.